Princess battles health setback

Doctors are attempting to give Princess Margaret much-needed nourishment as she battles to overcome another health setback.

Officials say the Princess is suffering a severe loss of appetite and has had to be moved from Sandringham estate in Norfolk to a hospital bed.

Experts say one possible side-effect of a stroke is difficulty in swallowing and it is believed her hospital treatment includes being fed by tube.

Palace officials say the Queen's 70-year-old sister was admitted to London's King Edward VII Hospital amid growing concern that she is failing to recover from a suspected second stroke suffered just before Christmas.

Speculation is mounting that this latest setback could signal the end of the Princess's public life.

An initial improvement in the Princess's condition over the festive period faded as she failed to eat sufficiently to maintain a recovery.

She has been driven by car from Sandringham, where she was taken ill more than two weeks ago, to the exclusive, private hospital.

Her son Viscount Linley vhas isited her and he and his sister Lady Sarah Chatto are in close touch, says Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, the Princess's official engagements have been cancelled as her Royal role is put on hold